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Making the Grade
APS receives national recognition for solar power innovation
As a state that has more than 300 days of sunshine per year, it only makes sense that APS would be a leader in developing innovative ways to gather solar power.
A vibrant economy, healthy environment and strong community for future generations have long been part of APS’ strategic priorities. As part of that commitment, APS dedicated resources to exploring new ways to harness our natural resources to create much needed energy.
The Saguaro Solar Power Plant is the first solar trough power plant ever constructed in Arizona and the first in the United States in almost 20 years. A solar trough uses heat from the sun to create electricity. The technology can easily be combined with a storage facility, allowing it to hold energy and provide electricity when needed — not just when the sun is shining.ق
The solar trough is located adjacent to the Saguaro Power Plant, north of Tucson. The one-megawatt plant has received international recognition for using cutting-edge technology to increase power-production efficiency while being mindful of protecting our natural resources.
The 14-acre plant consists of six rows of parabolic mirrors that track the sun as it moves across the sky and can serve an average of 300 homes with electricity. The massive solar mirrors concentrate the sun’s heat to produce energy without emitting any greenhouse gases, which some scientists believe contribute to climate change. The Saguaro Solar Power Plant is another example of APS’ commitment to bringing clean, renewable resources to our growing state.
The solar trough was featured on ABC’s 20/20 in April of 2007 in their special series titled: Planet Earth 2007: Seven Ways to Help Save the World. The weekly news magazine show was looking at the issue of climate change and what solutions are currently being employed across the globe. ABC News anchors and correspondents reported live from all seven continents throughout the broadcast, and APS’ own Saguaro Solar Power Plant was one of the featured environmental solutions.
In addition to being featured on ABC News, the Saguaro Solar Power Plant also was named Energy Project of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers in September 2007. It was also named one of the top 12 power plants in the country by Power magazine. The project was recognized for its innovation and ability to improve the feasibility of solar energy.
FAST FACT
To keep up with future customer growth while continuing to provide high-quality, dependable electric service at affordable rates, APS must invest more than a billion dollars a year in electricity infrastructure over the next decade, including power plants, transmission and distribution lines, substations and transformers. |
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